Assault and Related Offenses
The term “assault” understandably suggests images of physical violence. The legal definition of assault however, does not require any actual physical harm to be committed. A defendant can be charged with assault without making any physical contact with the victim. According to A.R.S. §13-1203, “a person commits assault by: (1) intentionally, knowingly or recklessly causing any physical injury to another person; or (2) intentionally placing another person in reasonable apprehension of imminent physical injury; or (3) knowingly touching another person with the intent to injure, insult or provoke such person.”
Types of assault and other related offenses can include:
- 13-1201 Endangerment
- 13-1202 Threatening or intimidating
- 13-1204 Aggravated assault
- 13-1205 Unlawfully administering intoxicating liquors, narcotic drug or dangerous drug
- 13-1206 Dangerous or deadly assault by prisoner or juvenile
- 13-1207 Prisoners who commit assault with intent to incite riot or participate in riot
- 13-1208 Assault by vicious animals
- 13-1209 Drive by shooting
- 13-1210 Assault on public safety employees or volunteers and state hospital employees
Criminal offenses and charges in Arizona are divided into different classes of felonies and misdemeanors. Although the judge has some discretion in determining your sentence, the State of Arizona dictates sentencing guidelines that the judge must act within. For example, penalties can range from a minimum of one and a half years in jail for a first-time class 6 felony, to a maximum of 21 years in jail for a first-time, class 2 felony.
Snell & Wilmer’s assault defense and assault and battery defense attorneys recognize the seriousness of any violent crime charge. Our lawyers passionately believe in the cause of providing the best possible legal representation for our clients during this difficult time.
Our Phoenix assault defense attorney team includes, among others, a former U.S. Attorney, a former federal agency Inspector General, several former federal and state prosecutors, a former Trial Attorney with the Antitrust Division of the U.S. Department of Justice and former Judge Advocates from every branch of the military service. The firm is widely recognized and can leverage resources to address complex and sensitive issues.
